A trial of mandatory carded play across 43 venues with gaming machines will launch in Victoria next month, the state’s government has revealed.
The trial – which will require patrons to use a “YourPlay” card and set loss limits in order to play any electronic gaming machines – is scheduled to run from September to November across all of the venues simultaneously, to be located in Monash, Greater Dandenong and Ballarat.
The YourPlay cards will be available on the spot within the selected venues.
According to a government statement, venues and their staff will be assisted throughout the trial period via staff training, communication materials and in-venue support.
“We’re leading the country with our major reforms to prevent gambling harm across Victoria,” said Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Enver Erdogan.
“This trial is an important first step – helping people take control of their gambling and make better choices.”
The Victorian state government has already either implemented or announced a raft of other responsible gambling measures in recent months, including mandatory closure periods for gaming areas in all Victorian hotels and clubs between 4am and 10am, slower spin rates of new gaming machines, limiting EFTPOS cash withdrawals to AU$500 per card in 24 hours, capping the number of gaming machines in the state at the current level until 2042 and prohibiting the advertising or operation of cheque cashing services in or around gaming venues.
The measures are a continuation of strict new regulations imposed on Crown Melbourne since the Finkelstein inquiry into Crown’s suitability concluded in 2021. Crown Melbourne has since returned to suitability, as have its sister properties in Sydney and Perth.
Ben Blaschke
A former sports journalist in Sydney, Australia, Ben has been Managing Editor of Inside Asian Gaming since early 2016. He played a leading role in developing and launching IAG Breakfast Briefing in April 2017 and oversees as well as being a key contributor to all of IAG’s editorial pursuits.
